By Ignacio Oroná (CBO)
It seems every week someone wonders whether AI will replace programmers. News headlines speculate, social media buzzes, and tech leaders’ statements fuel endless debate. Even Google’s CEO recently highlighted that 25% of the company’s code is now AI-generated. But before we dive into dystopian scenarios of engineers made obsolete, let’s take a closer look at the reality of programming and where AI fits into it.
Programming Is More Than Writing Code
To outsiders, programming might seem like a straightforward process: you have a detailed specification, and the programmer simply converts it into code. But anyone in the trenches knows this couldn’t be further from the truth.
At its core, programming is a creative endeavor filled with micro-decisions. Developers navigate ambiguous requirements, balance competing priorities, and make trade-offs between speed, cost, and system complexity. It’s not just about implementing a plan—it’s about designing a system that solves problems efficiently and scales effectively.
AI tools can assist with generating snippets of code or automating repetitive tasks, but they lack the nuanced understanding needed for the big picture. Programming involves context, collaboration, and intuition—all things humans excel at.
The Human Touch: Creativity and Judgment
Let’s consider what makes a great developer: the ability to grasp complex problems, interpret vague client needs, and translate them into practical solutions. These skills go beyond syntax and involve a deep understanding of systems, logic, and even psychology.
AI’s strength lies in repetition, not innovation. While it might excel at churning out boilerplate code or automating migrations, it can’t handle the curveballs that real-world projects often throw.
For example, legacy code—the bane of many developers’ lives—requires not just technical skill but historical insight. Understanding why certain decisions were made and how they affect the system today is something no AI can fully replicate.
Tools, Not Replacements
The role of AI in programming isn’t to replace developers but to act as a tool. Imagine a future where a programmer can use AI to perform large-scale codebase migrations in minutes rather than days. By providing examples and directing the process, developers can offload repetitive tasks to AI while focusing on design and strategy.
But this doesn’t mean surrendering control. Many developers are wary of tools that operate as black boxes, where decisions are made without human oversight. The best tools will allow programmers to maintain agency, offering speed and efficiency without sacrificing precision.
A New Era of Programming
Looking back, the evolution of programming has always been about adaptation. From the introduction of high-level languages to frameworks like Docker and Kubernetes, developers have consistently embraced new tools to work smarter, not harder. AI is just the next step in this progression.
Rather than eliminating jobs, AI shifts the focus. Programmers will spend less time on boilerplate tasks and more time on creative problem-solving. This means the core skills for developers may evolve, emphasizing creativity, adaptability, and strategic thinking.
Advice for Aspiring Developers
If you’re wondering whether programming is still a good career choice, the answer is an enthusiastic yes. The field is evolving, not shrinking. Aspiring developers should focus on building strong problem-solving skills, learning the fundamentals of programming, and staying curious about new technologies.
AI may reduce the need for some tasks, but it also opens the door to exciting new opportunities. Developers who can combine technical knowledge with creativity will thrive in this new landscape. And let’s not forget the joy of programming—the thrill of solving a tough problem, building something from scratch, or seeing your code come to life.
The Rise of Hybrid Engineers
The future isn’t about human or AI—it’s about both. Hybrid engineers, who combine the efficiency of AI with human ingenuity, are poised to become the new standard. These professionals will have unprecedented control over their workflows, iterating faster and more effectively than ever before.
This hybrid model amplifies what programmers love most: the ability to create, iterate, and innovate. With AI handling the mundane, developers can focus on the exciting and challenging aspects of their work.
A Fun and Exciting Future
Far from being a threat, AI promises to make programming more enjoyable. By streamlining repetitive tasks, it allows developers to spend more time on what drew them to the field in the first place: creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.
The next decade is set to be an exhilarating time for programmers. With AI as a collaborator, developers will tackle bigger challenges, explore new possibilities, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. So buckle up—the best is yet to come.
